Dangerous Intersections: A Major Cause of Michigan Car Accidents
Pedestrian and road intersections are critical to connecting people who are traveling from one route to another. However, the area where roads and paths intersect often creates dangerous points. A recent list reports that out of Michigan’s 20 most dangerous intersections, nearly 75% of them are in Detroit. A significant number of Michigan accidents occur at these intersections. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) explained that enhancing intersection safety is one of the best ways to prevent serious and fatal accidents.
The FHWA Safety Program focuses on addressing the three main factors contributing to these accidents: conflict point, vehicle speed, and collision angle. The main conflict points are where the vehicles merge, diverge or cross. These accidents usually involve accidents between two vehicles, vehicles with pedestrians, and vehicles with cyclists. A majority of accidents are caused by displaced left-turns on quadrant highways. Next, vehicle speed plays a significant role in accidents; the amount of energy a car exerts during a crash can drastically impact the severity of an accident. Finally, collision angle also impacts crash severity; traditional intersections present more opportunities to collide at dangerous angles.
Michigan’s most dangerous intersections occur at 18 ½ Mile and Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights. This location is the site of about five accidents every two weeks. Additionally, 11 Mile/Interstate 696 and Van Dyke Avenue, U.S. 131 and Wealthy Street, Martin Parkway and Pontiac Trail, and Schoolcraft Road and Telegraph Road, were the top five locations for intersection accidents in the state. A startling 587 accidents occurred at these locations, accounting for nearly 100 injuries.
In addition to the intersection’s design, high population density likely plays a role in the frequency of collisions. While the pandemic brought a decrease in crash-related injuries, there was also a 10% increase in fatalities and a 20% increase in pedestrian fatality rates. The increases are in line with data reporting that motorists were driving at higher speeds during the pandemic.
Those who suffer injuries in an intersection accident may file a claim against the individuals or governmental entities responsible for their damages. In these cases, the at-fault party may be more than one driver or the governmental entity responsible for the unsafe intersection. Accidents involving governmental entities such as cities, towns, and municipalities pose many challenges because of the enhanced procedural and evidentiary requirements that these cases entail. However, an experienced Michigan accident attorney can assist injury victims in presenting a compelling case.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Michigan Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or died in a Michigan car accident, contact the Neumann Law Group. The attorneys at our office have a long history of successfully handling personal injury lawsuits on behalf of Michigan injury victims and their families. Our attorneys use their knowledge of Michigan roadways in conjunction with their legal training and experience to ensure that their clients recover the damages they are entitled to under the law. In addition to car accident cases, we handle Michigan premises liability claims, product liability lawsuits, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. Contact our office at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.
